Two Wishaw brides said “I do” to a new look and a healthier lifestyle after shedding six stones between them to wear the wedding gowns of their dreams.

Deborah Armour and Michelle Campbell, both of Coltness, joined their local slimming world group ahead of their weddings in May and July this year.

Deborah, who has gone from a dress size 20/22 to a 14/16, said: “I never could have dreamed that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey. Losing weight has made such a big difference to me. My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Deborah re-joined Slimming World in January 2017 after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.

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“I started to put on weight after developing post-natal depression a few months following the birth of my daughter,” she continued.

“I knew Slimming World would work for me as I’d tried lots of different ways to lose weight before but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both. With Slimming World, it was completely different.

“My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight. I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti bolognese, curries and roast dinners.

“Now, I just prepare and cook them differently – and they taste so much better. I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat. I’ve picked up lots of new healthy recipes from the other members at my group, too.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. Right from the first moment I walked into my group I felt comfortable and the support I’ve received has been amazing. I look forward to going each week to catch up with all of my new friends and share tips, recipes and advice. I just love it!”

Michelle lost 5lbs in her first week and was blown away that the changes she’d made had such a big impact so quickly.

As the weight started to come off, her fitness improved too, giving her energy to run around after two kids.

She says: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 15 months ago. I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight but I’ve realised that when people believe in you, and you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to.

“I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey and know that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – especially at the Coltness group. My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Lizzi Mackie, who runs the Coltness group, said: “I’m so proud of Deborah and Michelle. They are both fantastic ambassadors for Slimming World and what they’ve achieved is nothing short of incredible. Both ladies are a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope they inspire other women – and men – in Wishaw to change their lives in the same way.”

A slimline Michelle looks radiant on her special day (Image: lizzi88@hotmail.co.uk)

The Coltness Slimming World group is held every Monday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at St Aidan’s Hall. To join or find out more call Lizzi on 07834 328921.